The Connected Robotics Topic Group (TG) aims to advance the integration of robotics with next-generation mobile technologies, including cutting-edge connectivity, radio-based sensing, and AI-native solutions. This focus is particularly relevant for future robotics such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), manipulators, and humanoids.

With the emergence of next-generation International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) technologies, there is a significant opportunity to enhance autonomous systems across various sectors, including construction, autonomous maintenance and inspection, mining, and operations in challenging environments like nuclear energy or recycling facilities. The Connected Robotics TG will concentrate on communication-based enhancements for mobile robots operating in public, private, rural, and urban areas.

Key Technology Focus Areas:

• Advanced Communication and Sensing Technologies: Investigating advanced mobile radio technologies, such as high-reliability communication and radio sensing, to develop new protocols for real-time communication between mobile robots and their infrastructure. This includes integrating protocols across various technology domains to ensure seamless operation in dynamic environments and enhancing perception capabilities through advanced radio-based sensing systems.
• AI-Native Solutions: Integrating AI-native solutions in next-gen communication networks is crucial for enabling robots to operate effectively in diverse real-world scenarios. This enhances high-level reasoning and computational offloading, allowing robots to process real-time data, make autonomous decisions, and adapt to changing environments.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Simulation: Utilizing digital twins and advanced simulation techniques to create real-time models of physical systems. This integration facilitates continuous monitoring and allows for immediate feedback through ultra-reliable, low-latency communication, improving operational visibility and enabling proactive maintenance.
• Co-Design for Enhanced Fleet Robotics Communications: Advancing mobile robotics in applications like logistics and search and rescue requires decentralized control systems and local communication. Integrating robotic and communication systems demands seamless architecture and dynamic network configuration, focusing on low-latency communication and adaptive resource optimization.
• Goal-Oriented Semantic Communication: This approach focuses on transmitting the meaning and context of information rather than just raw data, improving the efficiency of multi-robot systems. It utilizes the ultra-low latency and high reliability of 6G for real-time communication and collaboration among robots.
• Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS): CPS represents an evolution of cybernetic systems, integrating computing, communication networks, and physical processes. Robots uniquely interact with the environment, actively modifying it. Combined with augmented reality (AR), CPS enhances human-machine interaction by providing immersive visualizations and real-time data overlays. The emergence of mobile networks such as 6G will accelerate AR adoption, enabling applications across sectors such as automotive, healthcare, smart manufacturing, and urban infrastructure.
• Use Case Development: Promoting collaboration among stakeholders to ensure compatibility and integration of diverse robotic systems while identifying real-world applications and conducting pilot projects to demonstrate effectiveness.

The Connected Robotics Topic Group seeks to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to drive innovation and standardization in next-gen communication technologies for robotics applications. By establishing this TG, we position euRobotics at the forefront of advancements, addressing evolving challenges and opportunities in mobile robotics while harnessing the transformative potential of next-generation mobile radio technologies.

Notes: (*) The formation of this TG is supported by the one6G working items as part of our MoU.